//------------------------------//
// Federation membership 
// Story: Robot Pony 
// by Dreadnought 
//------------------------------//

Captain Picard rose from his chair behind his desk.  "Greetings, Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia walked through the door.  "Captain Picard, so good to see you."

Picard motioned to the chair, "Please, have a seat."

"Thank you," she said, taking a spot on the couch.

Picard chose a seat opposite her.  "How are things in Equestria?"

"Good, good.  It's springtime in Equestria, which is always very nice."

"I'm glad to hear that."

An awkward silence fell over the room.

"Captain, I came to find out the status on our application for Federation membership."

"I was afraid you would want to know."

"Is something the matter?"

"I'm afraid that the Federation Council has rejected your application."

"Rejected?" asked a shocked Celestia.

"Yes, Princess."

"May I ask why?"

"Well several reasons.  First, your world is not yet united.  These are various competing nations.  If we admitted Equestria, we'd be taking sides in an intraplanetary dispute.  Then there's the fact that Equestria is a monarchy.  We strive for democracy in the Federation.  The Council was also disturbed that citizens are required to work in fields that are chosen for them.  We believe that everyone should be able to chose their own line of work, not what is shown on their flank.  Finally, we take civilizations that are at least warp capable.  Though you managed to send your sister to the moon, you have yet to even achieve true spaceflight.  I'm afraid it will be a long time until you would be accepted into the Federation."

"I see."  Celestia thought for a moment before rising from her seat.  "Perhaps we should join the Dominion."

"The Dominion?" asked a startled Captain Picard.

"Yes, they've just accepted the Cardassian Union, I'm sure that they will accept us."

"Uh, I'm sure we can work something out."


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